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Roy Tyler & New Directions
“Three Way Calling”
(Severn Records) 
Former lead singer of the Grammy nominated Gospel
Hummingbirds, Roy Tyler and his group, New Directions mix R&B,
soul, blues and rock music with the common thread of what Roy
calls “Swamp Gospel”, drawn from his southern upbringing.
Roy’s career includes recordings with John Lee Hooker, BB
King, Etta James, the Neville Brothers and Fabulous Thunderbirds.
A local legend in Oakland, Roy recently came to my attention when
his band opened for Solomon Burke and Howard Tate shows in San
Francisco, last year. The record was produced by Robert Cray Band
producer/keyboardist, Jim Pugh, mixed by Scott Matthews, and features
guest appearances by Clarence Fountain, and a stunningly beautiful
duet with noted R&B producer Raphael Saadiq, entitled, “Tired
of the Game”.
This is the first West Coast signing for Severn Records, a Maryland
based roots label, which has made this album a huge priority.
Roy’s unique style of gospel/soul may soon find an audience
of younger festival-goers in much the same manner as other recent
gospel crossover artists such as the Blind Boys of Alabama and
Robert Randolph.
Look for a May 18th release date, and a San
Francisco record release party at Slim’s on Friday, June
4th.
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